The Instant Pot Italian Pork Chops are everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, flavorful, and comforting. These chops are seared to perfection, then pressure-cooked in a tangy tomato-balsamic sauce that infuses the meat with savory Italian flavors in just minutes.
What’s great about this dish is how effortlessly it comes together. The Instant Pot locks in moisture, ensuring the pork chops turn out juicy every time. Plus, the sauce is so rich you’ll want to spoon it over everything from mashed potatoes to steamed veggies. Whether you’re cooking for family or just want leftovers for lunch, this is a go-to recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup tomato sauce
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
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1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Season pork chops with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
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Set Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat olive oil.
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Brown pork chops in batches for about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
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Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits.
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Add tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
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Return pork chops to the pot and spoon some sauce over the top.
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Close lid, set valve to “Sealing,” and cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 10 minutes.
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Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure manually.
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Optional: Remove pork chops and set Instant Pot to “Sauté.” Mix cornstarch and water to form slurry, add to pot, and stir until sauce thickens.
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Serve pork chops with sauce spooned over and garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why the Instant Pot Makes a Difference
The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, particularly for busy households. Traditional methods of braising or slow cooking pork chops to achieve the right texture can take hours. With the Instant Pot, you can have the same tender results in a fraction of the time. This pressure cooker locks in moisture and flavor, making lean cuts of meat like pork chops taste succulent rather than dry.
When preparing this Italian-style pork chop recipe, the sauté function allows you to sear the meat and develop a deep, caramelized base. This step is essential in building the overall flavor of the sauce. Once everything is sealed in and pressure cooked, the ingredients meld together into a cohesive, deeply flavored dish that feels like it’s been simmering all day.
Flavor Profile and Customization Options
At the heart of this recipe is its Italian flavor profile—think garlic, onion, tomato, and herbs like oregano and basil. These ingredients are staples in Italian cooking and form the aromatic base of many beloved dishes. The balsamic vinegar adds a unique depth and slight sweetness, cutting through the richness of the pork and enhancing the overall balance.
One of the beautiful things about this dish is how customizable it is. You can easily adapt the spice level with red pepper flakes, or switch up the seasoning blend with thyme, rosemary, or even a splash of red wine for extra depth. Want to make it creamier? A spoonful of mascarpone or a splash of heavy cream stirred in at the end transforms the sauce into something luxurious.
This dish is also easily adapted for dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, it’s naturally free from wheat-based thickeners. For a lower-carb approach, simply skip serving it with pasta or bread and opt for vegetables or cauliflower rice instead.
What to Serve with Italian Pork Chops
A key part of creating a complete meal is choosing the right side dishes. Because the sauce is so flavorful, you’ll want something to soak it up. Mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or buttered egg noodles are excellent choices. For a lighter meal, consider pairing it with steamed green beans, roasted zucchini, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Crusty bread is also a fantastic addition—especially for mopping up every last drop of sauce. You could even serve this dish over a bed of risotto or alongside a baked potato for a heartier feel. The possibilities are endless, and this flexibility makes the recipe a go-to favorite for many occasions.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
These pork chops aren’t just delicious fresh out of the pot—they’re also excellent as leftovers. In fact, some say the flavor deepens overnight, making the second serving even more satisfying. This makes the dish ideal for meal prep. Store the pork chops with their sauce in airtight containers, and they’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheating is simple—use the microwave, or for best results, reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain moisture and texture. You can also shred the leftover meat and use it in sandwiches, wraps, or even tacos for a flavorful twist. The sauce doubles as a delicious topping for pasta or rice, so nothing goes to waste.
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
One of the great things about this recipe is how universally loved it is. Pork chops have a mild flavor that appeals to most palates, and when paired with a tangy, garlicky sauce, the dish becomes irresistible even for picky eaters. Whether you’re cooking for children, teens, or adults, this meal is a reliable crowd-pleaser.
It’s also easy to scale. Whether you’re cooking for two or ten, you can adjust the number of pork chops and double the sauce ingredients without compromising the result. This makes it a perfect recipe for gatherings, potlucks, or when hosting family dinners.
Tips for the Best Results
To ensure your pork chops turn out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
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Use bone-in pork chops: They tend to be juicier and more flavorful than boneless cuts.
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Sear before pressure cooking: This builds a rich flavor foundation and improves texture.
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Deglaze the pot: After sautéing, always scrape up the browned bits. These hold tons of flavor and prevent the dreaded “burn” warning.
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Let the pressure release naturally: At least for 10 minutes. This helps the meat relax and stay tender.
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Don’t overcook: While the Instant Pot prevents drying out, cooking time should still be carefully followed to maintain ideal texture.
Cooking Without an Instant Pot
If you don’t own an Instant Pot, you can still make a version of this dish. Sear the pork chops in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven, prepare the sauce as instructed, then either simmer covered on the stovetop for 45-60 minutes or bake it in the oven at 350°F for about the same time. The results won’t be quite as fast, but you’ll still enjoy the hearty Italian flavors and tender meat.
Health and Nutrition Benefits
This recipe offers a good balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals, especially when served with a nutrient-dense side. Pork chops are an excellent source of lean protein, B vitamins (especially B6 and B12), selenium, and zinc. The tomato sauce adds antioxidants such as lycopene, while garlic and onion provide compounds that may support cardiovascular health and immunity.
By controlling the ingredients at home, you can keep the sodium and fat content in check and adapt the recipe to fit your nutritional goals. Choose low-sodium broth, lean cuts of meat, and serve with vegetables to create a wholesome, balanced meal.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Italian Pork Chops are the perfect marriage of convenience and classic flavor. This dish captures the essence of traditional Italian comfort food while making the most of modern kitchen tools. With its rich sauce, tender meat, and customizable profile, it’s a recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this dish brings the warmth of home-cooked Italian food to your table in under an hour. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s ideal for busy weeknights but delicious enough for special occasions. Serve it once, and you’ll be asked to make it again and again.